Thames Rockets are the number one choice for exhilarating speedboat tours for all the family as voted on TripAdvisor for a record 10 years, and they’re revved up and relaunched in the capital this summer. If you’ve never taken a trip with the famous red Rockets, the idea is simple: quirky, quick-witted guiding, the feeling of cruising through the huge capital on a small craft, and a river rollercoaster ride to match the most daring theme parks.

London based

Thames Rockets are based at the iconic London Eye, where you can catch a ride onboard a speedboat to see over 20 landmarks and sights on the Ultimate London Adventure. The 50-minute ride is suitable for all ages, from 1 to 101. Get up close and personal with world-famous sights, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London. The brilliant guides are handpicked directly from the stand-up and acting circuit, giving their unique take on London’s past and keeping the banter flowing.

After going under Tower Bridge it’s time for the main event! Get ready for ‘take-off’ as you feel the Rockets rev the engines and blast you up to speeds of 30 knots (35mph).

Twist and turn as you carve curves in the river Thames, bounce across the water and leave the other boats bobbing in your wake. Not only that, but every trip has the trademark Thames Rockets medley packed with feel-good classics that will have you singing along at the top of your voice.

‘COVID secure’ London attraction

It’s so important to feel safe when choosing group activities, and particularly so this year. Thames Rockets have been given ‘Good To Go’ status by Visit England, meaning they are officially a ‘COVID secure’ London attraction. One of the key driving forces behind all the robust, watertight safety and distancing procedures is that they don’t compromise the enjoyment factor. The London Eye Pier operates a natural one-way system and contactless check-in.

Passenger groups are distanced for outdoor kit-up and lifejackets are sanitised after each use, meaning you’ll have new kit every time. There are mandatory hand-sanitising stations before boarding and you’ll even see your vessel being cleaned by your skipper before you embark.

One of the most popular ways to see the capital

Since their first sailing in 2006, Thames Rockets have grown to become one of the most popular ways to see the capital, with the fastest, most comfortable speedboats, the most experienced skippers and the funniest and most personable guides in the business. Thames Rockets believe even the most successful London attractions should have the customer experience at the heart of everything they do – so they guarantee that each and every visitor will have first-class personal service through every moment of their time with Thames Rockets, and certainly guarantee all the thrills and spills that have made it the #1 London attraction on TripAdvisor.

Over 80,000 passengers took a ride on a Thames Rocket last year alone, often returning for the above-and-beyond service that welcomes those celebrating their birthdays, work dos or even stag parties. So if you haven’t yet tried London’s best-kept secret, maybe now is the time for you to rediscover the city for this great British summer as we all step outdoors once more.